Meet award-winning musician

Thulasizwe “Lastee” Dlamini is a Durban artist influenced by the hip-hop culture. Lastee is a self-taught musician who started in an informal studio using cheap software and a computer to fine-tune his craft. He advanced his interest working with many artists who relished his way of making music and subsequently refining his musical talent and gaining experience.

He is a five-time Original Material Award winner in the Best Producer 2012 category, Metro award winner Remix of the Year 2014 and 2015 and a South African Music Award Nominee Remix of the Year 2014 and 2015. He was also runner-up in the Battle of the Year 2010 and 2011 and won the Back to the City Producer Battle 2013. He has been showcasing his talent since high school age at many venues, including the Durban Red Bull Corner to Corner, Fact Durban Rocks, Club Kulture, Good Sundae and 47th Avenue. Pinetown Fever reporter Nosipho Mkhize spoke to Lastee to get to know him better.

NM: Where were you born?

TD: I was born in Nsingweni Clinic in Eshowe.

NM: Where did you go to school?

TD: I went to Vukayimbe Primary School in Nsingweni and then did my second to seventh grade at Zuzokuhle Primary School in Inanda. I then went to Umtapho High School in Ntuzuma D - Lindelani, until I matriculated.

NM: What are your hobbies?

TD: I don't do much besides listening to music and playing video games. I do a little reading when I feel like it.

NM: Tell me a bit about your childhood.

TD: I grew up in a very musical family, and by family I mean my mom, who I've always been with ever since I can remember. I somehow feel this played a huge role in me being who I am. We have always tried to be as happy as possible, even though the odds were against us most of the time.

NM: Tell me about your music.

TD: My music is a mixture of rap and singing, half and half. I'm more of what a rapper would sound like if they were to put a melody to what they rap. I use mostly hip-hop beats, so my sound would be what most people would recognise as hip-hop.

NM: Do you have a message for the youth?

TD: Go to school, but with that being said, school is not the only place you can be educated. Explore, have fun and be responsible. If you can dream it, you can be it.